NFL Week 9 Predictions: Projecting the Week's Top Receivers

Wide receivers have flourished in the 2011 NFL season and much of that has been due to an increase in spread offenses taking advantage of weaker nickel and dime cover corners. 

Which receivers will have the biggest days in Week 9?

Remember, Calvin Johnson is on the bye...

Dwayne Bowe

I understand that Bowe doesn't have an "elite" quarterback throwing to him. That's fine. He's still a matchup nightmare against any team and the Dolphins secondary surely doesn't pose a major threat.

Jon Baldwin emerged last week and will have to be accounted for, which will take some pressure and, more importantly, double coverage off Bowe. 

The Dolphins are winless and are in great disarray as a team in general. However, they've somehow been competitive in their last few games, especially on the road. 

Kansas City will be forced to throw the football and Bowe will be the primary target. 

Remember, he had seven catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns against the Colts a few weeks ago. 

DeSean Jackson

This is more of a gut feeling than anything. D-Jax hasn't been nearly as integral to the Eagles offense this year as we've seen in the past. A lot of that has to do with the explosion of LeSean McCoy. 

Against a Bears secondary that's certainly been susceptible to the big play, Philadelphia will be looking to set up the play-action pass with McCoy and find Jackson deep. 

It's only a matter of time before he has another highlight-filled game, right? 

It happens on Monday night at home this week. 

Antonio Brown 

This is my sleeper pick of the week. The Ravens know the explosive potential of Mike Wallace. He's one of the speediest receivers in the NFL today and a capable chain-mover as well.

As Baltimore will likely put much of their defensive onus on stopping Wallace from beating them down the field, Brown has a fantastic chance to turn in his third consecutive productive game. 

While Wallace makes his biggest impact by going deep, Brown is a very dangerous receiver catching the slant pattern because of his great ability after the catch.

(Expect big games from Steve Smith, Greg Jennings and Wes Welker, as well. Didn't figure I needed to tell you that.)